2027 Poll: Atiku Alleges Plot To Exclude ADC From Ballot

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ABUJA – Former vice president and pres­idential candidate of the African Democratic Congress (ADC), Ati­ku Abubakar, has expressed con­cern over what he described as an alleged coordinated attempt by elements within the ruling estab­lishment to undermine Nigeria’s democratic process by preventing the ADC from participating in the 2027 general election.

Atiku, in a statement on Mon­day in Abuja by his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communi­cation, Phrank Shaibu, said he had received what he described as credible information suggest­ing that fresh political and legal moves were being orchestrated to keep the ADC off the ballot.

According to the former vice president, the alleged plot is part of a broader strategy aimed at weakening the opposition by targeting the ADC, which he described as the country’s most credible alternative political plat­form.

“We are fully aware of these alleged plots. While efforts are being made to create confusion within the opposition, the ulti­mate target is the ADC because it has emerged as the strongest alternative in the political land­scape,” he said.

Atiku called on Nigerians, regardless of political affiliation, to remain vigilant and defend the nation’s democracy, warning against any attempt to determine which opposition parties should be allowed to participate in the elections.

“Our message to those be­hind these alleged plans is clear: democracy belongs to the people. If the APC is confident in its pop­ularity, it should have nothing to fear from a free and fair contest,” he stated.

Although he expressed hope that the reported plans would not materialise, Atiku said recent po­litical developments made it diffi­cult to dismiss the warnings.

He alleged that democratic in­stitutions have increasingly come under political pressure, with le­gal processes, administrative ac­tions and other state mechanisms being deployed in ways that could undermine electoral competition.

“The pattern has become fa­miliar. Institutions expected to remain neutral are drawn into partisan contests, litigation gains unusual momentum, admin­istrative powers are selectively exercised, and political pressure is mounted behind closed doors. Ultimately, democracy becomes the casualty,” he said.

The former vice president fur­ther alleged that the opposition had faced sustained pressure in recent months, including at­tempts to instigate internal crises, legal challenges and administra­tive actions aimed at weakening the ADC.

He argued that such political preoccupations were occurring at a time when Nigerians were grappling with rising inflation, unemployment, insecurity and declining purchasing power.

“The focus of government should be on addressing the press­ing challenges facing citizens rather than engaging in political manoeuvres,” he added.

Atiku maintained that the growing popularity of the ADC should be met through demo­cratic competition rather than intimidation or institutional in­terference.

“The appropriate response to a popular political movement is to present better ideas before the electorate. Democracies are decided at the ballot box, not through political engineering or the misuse of state institutions,” he said.

He warned that any attempt to exclude the ADC from the electoral process would amount to a serious challenge to Nigeria’s constitutional democracy.

“No government has the con­stitutional authority to decide which political party Nigerians may vote for. Sovereignty resides with the people, and the ballot remains the foundation of dem­ocratic governance,” he stated.

The former vice president also appealed to the judiciary to remain independent and faithful to its constitutional responsibil­ities, urging judicial officers to resist external influence in the discharge of their duties.

He further called on the Inde­pendent National Electoral Com­mission (INEC), security agen­cies, civil society organisations, the international community and other stakeholders to remain vigi­lant in safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s electoral process.

“We are placing Nigerians on notice because democracy thrives only when citizens remain vigi­lant. Every Nigerian who believes in constitutional democracy must pay close attention to unfolding events,” he said.

Atiku concluded by express­ing confidence that no amount of intimidation, political pressure or legal action would diminish the resolve of Nigerians who support the ADC.

“The desire for change can­not be outlawed. Hope cannot be deregistered. Democracy cannot be subverted through administra­tive actions. Ultimately, the will of the Nigerian people will prevail,” he said.